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Police reject N174m bribe, arrest suspected internet fraudster
Policemen from the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, comprising Lagos and Ogun states, have arrested a suspected internet fraudster who allegedly offered a ₦174 million bribe to avoid prosecution.
The suspect, identified as Patrick Akpoguma, is alleged to have been involved in various types of internet-related fraud, including romance scams, identity theft, cyber hacking, cryptocurrency fraud, ritualism, and cultism. Despite the bribe attempt, operatives of the command rejected the offer.
According to the police, the suspect offered the sum of $100,000 USD (One Hundred Thousand Dollars), equivalent to about ₦174 million, to law enforcement officials.
The Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, Adegoke Fayoade, while briefing newsmen on Friday afternoon, revealed that investigations into Akpoguma began on November 7, 2024, following complaints from residents of Chevron Drive, Lekki, where the suspect resides.
AIG Fayoade stated, “Patrick Akpoguma admitted to being involved in what is known as romance scams and other cryptocurrency-related scams. He meets various people online and presents himself as a notable and famous Caucasian American, such as Colonel Matt Herbert, a serving U.S. Army officer currently on a peacekeeping mission in Iran. He also impersonates Adam Taggart, a renowned cryptocurrency and stock brokerage expert in the United States.”
The AIG further disclosed that Akpoguma used these fake identities to lure unsuspecting victims into fraudulent schemes. “He convinced his unsuspecting victims that he is a top executive working on several projects that require funding, which leads him to request loans,” Fayoade explained.
The police boss further disclosed, “Typically, he receives these loans via his Bitcoin Trust Wallet or through blockchain transactions. So far, he has defrauded over seven victims using this method.”
To execute these fraudulent activities, the suspect reportedly created a fake Instagram account under the name ‘Adam Taggart.’ The police boss explained, “This account allowed him to purchase a silicone face and hand mask from maskmakers.com, which was delivered to his residence on Chevron Drive, Lekki.”
The AIG added, “He paid $11,200 USD for the manufacturing of this mask, which he used to impersonate Adam Taggart on Facebook and Instagram.”
Revealing further details, AIG Fayoade said, “Surprisingly, during the investigation, the suspect began pleading and offering money to be let off the hook. Once I was informed about this, I instructed my detectives from the Raider team, led by CSP Ngozi Braide, to play along. On November 12, 2024, he offered the sum of $100,000 USD (One Hundred Thousand Dollars), equivalent to about One Hundred and Seventy-Four Million Naira. The money was accepted, registered as evidence, and the investigation continued. So far, the investigation has been concluded, and the suspect will be arraigned accordingly.”
Speaking with newsmen, the suspect admitted to turning to fraud three years ago, citing frustration over his inability to find meaningful employment. “I am a graduate of Mechanical Engineering, and I am 28 years old. After leaving school, it became clear that I needed to find my own path and try to get on my feet. I decided to try fraud while I looked for something legitimate,” he confessed.
The suspect also revealed details about his lifestyle and fraudulent activities. “I started doing fraud three years ago, and since then, I’ve made over $500,000 USD. I have achieved a lot. I own a house in Lagos, a house in Edo State, and a GLE Benz worth N100 million,” he stated.
He explained his approach to defrauding victims, adding, “Once I defraud people and feel I have taken enough from them, I simply walk away. I don’t leave them penniless.”
Regarding his encounter with the police, the suspect admitted that it was his first experience with law enforcement. “In my three years of fraud, I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad encounter with the police. This is the first time I’ve been in contact with the police. I was just trying to negotiate with them, and I thought they were actually responding to the negotiation.”
He commended the integrity of the officers involved in his case, saying, “I must confess, it’s a good step for the Nigerian police and the Nigerian people to regain their trust in the police for being transparent. It’s good to know that some credible officers are still out there, willing to see justice done.”
The suspect also used the opportunity to advise others who might be involved in similar activities: “My advice to people like me is: I would advise everyone to be more diligent, stay focused on the process, find something legitimate, and grow. Because I believe that what is legitimate has the space and platform to grow, whereas illegitimate income is not dependent on you, and it has no space for growth.
News
AFCON 2025Q: Eguavoen excuses bereaved Nwabali from Amavubi clash
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Super Eagles caretaker coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has excused Stanley Nwabali from the team’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Rwanda
The Chippa United lost his father on Friday morning.
The former surveyor died at the age of 67.
“He (Nwabali) has been excused from the game. However, the player will come to watch the match and cheer his team mates on,” team administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, told thenff.com.
Eguavoen now has two goalkeepers, Maduka Okoye and Amas Obasogie available for the game.
The Super Eagles will host the Rwandans at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Monday.
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Gov Okpebholo Makes Six Fresh Appointments In Edo
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the appointment of six more persons to serve in various capacities in his government.
Those appointed include Dr. Emmanuel Paddy lyamu as the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); Lucky Enehita-Inegbenehi as the Managing Director of the State Waste Management Board; and CP Friday Ibadin, Rtd, State Corps Commander, Edo State Security Corps Governance.
Others are Stainless M.I. Ijeghede as the Managing Director, Edo State Traffic Management Agency, (EDSTMA); Sir (Dr.) Lucky Eseigbe, as Managing Director, Edo State Public Building and Maintenance Agency; and Engr. Emmanuel Ehidiamen Okoebor, as Hon. Commissioner of Finance-designate.
In a statement on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, made available to newsmen in Benin City, he said the six appointments take effect from November 15, 2024.
Dr. Iyamu holds a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Benin. He is also a holder of Doctor of Science in Petroleum Resources from the European American University.
Iyamu is a strategic leader and renowned expert in security, business administration, human resources. An alumnus of Oxford University (Said Business School), he holds a Professional Doctorate in Leadership and Management from City University of Paris.
With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Iyamu has excelled across the banking, oil, and gas sectors, significantly improving corporate security and crisis management operations.
Until his appointment, Dr. Iyamu was the Chief Executive Oficer of Gabbem Integrated Services Lid, a leading company specialized in marine equipment and services.
Similarly, the second appointee Enehita-Inegbenehi obtained his B.Sc. (Human Resource d M.Sc. in Strategic Leadership and Governance from the University of Cape Coast respectively.
He is a dynamic and result-oriented professional, with an extensive experience in leadership and human resource management. He has proven abilities to analyze complex issues, develop effective strategies and guide teams towards success while fostering professional growth.
Inegbenehi was the Chief Executive Officer of JEI Visions Iron Metals, JEI Visions Service Apartments as well as JEI Visions Cleaning Services.
The third appointee CP Ibadan worked and retiredY from the Nigeria Police after a meritorious 35 years of service. He was one of the 11 officers seconded to the United Nations Mission in Kosovo and was a regional officer in the Headquarters.
He has attended various security courses in Egypt, France, USA among others. CP Friday Obadin holds the Bachelor Degrees in Philosophy and Law, respectively and was later called to the Nigerian Bar in the year 2007.
He is a member of Afican centre from crime prevention research studies, Cairo, Egypt. He is happily married with children.
The fourth appointee ljeghede holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He had a successful career in the Petroleum Industry, having worked and held sensitive positions, particularly in the Well Engineering and Safety Department in Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria Ltd.
He retired from the Service of Shell after a meritorious service.
The fifth appointee Eseigbe obtained his LL.B and LL.M at the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma respectively. Until this appointment, Lucky Eseigbe Esq, was a Legislative Aide/Legal Adviser/Consultant to notable Honourable Members of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from year 2007 to November 2024.
The sixth appointee Okoebor was born on October 21, 1972. He had his first degree in Civil Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Benin, Benin City respectively.
Engr. Okoebor, MBA has over 25 years of experience in the Banking Sector, including roles at the Standard Trust and United Bank of Africa (UBA).
He rose through the ranks in the Banking Industry to the position of Assistant General Manager (AGM) and is currently Regional Manager, United Bank of Africa (UBA) overseeing 15 Business Offices.
Engr. Emmanuel Ehidiamen Okoebor MBA is also a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a registered member of COREN.
News
Just in: Tyson well beaten in heavyweight comeback, by Youtuber Jake Paul
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Tyson, 58, could hardly lay a punch during the eight-round bout at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, with Paul winning by big margins on all three cards – 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73.
Paul, 27, used his superior speed and movement to dominate the ageing Tyson with ease, and had the former undisputed heavyweight champion in trouble after landing a flurry of punches in the third round.
Yet the younger fighter was unable to land the knockout blow he had promised to deliver during Thursday’s ill-tempered weigh-in, where Tyson slapped him across the face.
Tyson, however, looked every bit of his 58 years, managing to land only a handful of meaningful punches during the fight.
Final statistics showed Tyson connected with just 18 of 97 punches thrown while Paul threw some 278 punches and landed 78 of them.
As the final seconds of the eighth round counted down, Paul could even afford to bow in respect to Tyson before the bell sounded. (AFP, excluding headline)
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